2012 Santa Julia Organic Malbec

March 22, 2013 - Norman Bentley

There has been a lot about Argentina in the news of late, but there is nothing new about how good the wines from Gaucho Land are. The world has known of, and enjoyed the Malbecs from Argentina for quite some time, and I recently sampled an organic version which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was the 2012 Santa Julia Organic Malbec from the Zuccardi family, who have been involved in the business since 1963 down in Mendoza, Argentina.

Over the years, Malbec, originally from Bordeaux, has become a favorite of mine, and those from Argentina are among the best red wine values on the market. I love the big rich fruit flavors, layered with earthy undertones, and big cherry dominance. The 2012 Santa Julia opens with a heady bouquet of summer blackberries, which transcend into abundant flavors of dark berries and black cherry. The finish is clean and lingering with a suggestion of vanilla and wood at the end. The alcohol content is 13%.

This wine would be a great choice for the backyard barbecue, whether it be burgers or steaks. Norm's score is 88.